Honkai Nexus Anima just dropped its latest teaser trailer, and the gaming world is absolutely losing its mind. HoYoverse’s newest project isn’t what anyone expected, and that’s exactly what makes it so intriguing.
If you’ve been following the Honkai universe, you know HoYoverse doesn’t do anything small. From Genshin Impact’s open-world revolution to Honkai Star Rail’s turn-based excellence, every release reshapes expectations. Now, Honkai Nexus Anima is here to shake things up again.
What Makes This Teaser So Different
The “Side by Side” teaser isn’t your typical game announcement. Instead of flashy combat sequences or dramatic storylines, it shows something completely unexpected: Pokemon-style creature battles in the Honkai universe.
Picture this: Kiana and Blade, two beloved characters from the franchise, standing across from each other not with swords or guns, but commanding adorable creatures called Anima. It’s like someone took Pokemon battles and gave them that signature HoYoverse polish.
The Auto-Chess Twist That Nobody Saw Coming
Here’s where things get really interesting. Honkai Nexus Anima isn’t just a creature collection game – it’s an auto-chess experience. Think Teamfight Tactics meets Pokemon, wrapped in HoYoverse’s stunning visual style.
The gameplay revolves around strategic placement and team composition. You’ll collect and train your Anima companions, then watch them battle it out on a chess-like grid. It’s a bold departure from HoYoverse’s action-heavy catalog, targeting a completely different audience.
Why Auto-Chess Makes Perfect Sense
While some fans expressed disappointment about the auto-chess format, it’s actually genius from a business perspective. HoYoverse already dominates action RPGs and turn-based games. By entering the auto-chess market, they’re expanding their reach without cannibalizing their existing player base.
Beta Test Details You Need to Know
The “Nexus Bond Test” closed beta is currently accepting applications through September 12, 2025. Here’s what you need to qualify:
- PC users need an 11th Gen Intel i5, RTX 2060, and 16GB RAM minimum
- iOS users need at least an iPhone 12 Pro
- Cross-platform compatibility between PC and iOS
- No Android support for this beta round
Interestingly, the beta application asks about your Teamfight Tactics ranking, confirming the game’s auto-chess DNA. HoYoverse is clearly targeting experienced strategy players alongside their existing fanbase.
Character Reveals and Fan Reactions
The teaser features familiar faces like Kiana and Blade, but also introduces completely new characters. One standout is a character in full plate armor, suggesting Honkai Nexus Anima will expand the universe’s lore significantly.
Fan reactions have been mixed but passionate. Some players are thrilled about the creature collection aspect, while others hoped for more traditional Honkai gameplay. The Reddit discussions reveal a community genuinely curious about where this experiment will lead.
What This Means for HoYoverse’s Future
This release represents HoYoverse’s boldest creative risk yet. They’re betting that their brand strength can carry an entirely new genre, much like how Nintendo successfully expanded Pokemon into different gameplay styles.
The cross-universe appeal is undeniable. Seeing Honkai characters interact in unexpected ways creates storytelling opportunities that traditional sequels can’t match. It’s world-building on a massive scale.
Should You Get Excited?
If you’re an auto-chess fan who’s been waiting for a visually stunning alternative to existing games, Honkai Nexus Anima could be exactly what you need. The production values will undoubtedly be top-tier, and the creature collection hook adds depth that pure strategy games often lack.
For traditional Honkai fans, approach with an open mind. This isn’t replacing your favorite action games – it’s expanding the universe you already love in a completely new direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Honkai Nexus Anima beta start?
HoYoverse hasn’t announced the exact start date for the Nexus Bond Test, but registration is open until September 12, 2025. Selected participants will receive details later.
Will Honkai Nexus Anima be free to play?
While not officially confirmed, HoYoverse’s track record suggests it will follow their standard free-to-play gacha model with optional purchases.
Can I play on Android devices?
Android support isn’t available for the beta test, but it’s likely to be included in the full release based on HoYoverse’s multi-platform strategy.
Do I need to play other Honkai games to understand the story?
While familiarity with Honkai characters helps, Nexus Anima appears designed as a standalone experience that newcomers can enjoy.
How similar is this to Pokemon?
The creature collection aspect mirrors Pokemon, but the auto-chess battle system creates a completely different strategic experience focused on team composition rather than direct control.
Will there be competitive multiplayer?
Given the auto-chess format and HoYoverse’s competitive gaming interests, multiplayer modes are highly likely, though not yet officially confirmed.
Final Thoughts
The “Side by Side” teaser proves that HoYoverse isn’t content resting on their massive success. Honkai Nexus Anima represents creative ambition at its finest – taking beloved characters into uncharted gameplay territory.
Whether this gamble pays off depends on execution, but one thing’s certain: the gaming industry just got a lot more interesting. Sometimes the biggest surprises come from the most unexpected directions, and this teaser delivers surprises in spades.